Arsenal great Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of Major League Soccer side New York City FC.
The new MLS franchise, which is enjoying its first campaign in the North American top flight, parted ways with previous boss Jason Kreis last month.
They appointed Vieira on Monday, with the Frenchman leaving his post of head of Elite Development Squad at Manchester City—NYCFC’s parent club.
Vieira had been tipped to move into management for some time, and had previously been linked with both the Leicester City top job—eventually given to Claudio Ranieri—and the Sunderland role, before Sam Allardyce was appointed.
Welcome #Arsenal legend @OfficialVieira as the new manager of @NYCFC! pic.twitter.com/OB0B1FXY4n
— KICKTV (@KICKTV) November 9, 2015
“Patrick’s ability, vision and the respect in which he is held by everyone who works with him, speaks volumes for his character and capacity to succeed. I am excited to work with him and I know the energy he will bring to the role will have a hugely positive impact across the Club.”
SEE ALSO:
Possible Jose Mourinho replacement nears exit at current club say BBC; will Chelsea be monitoring the situation?
Arsenal could be on alert as Juventus striker seeks transfer away this January
Forget Chelsea! This high-profile coach tipped to replace Pellegrini at Man City
Vieira represents another high-profile appointment to a league fast accumulating stars, and another fine addition for NYCFC, who can already call upon Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa.
The Senegal-born midfielder won three Premier League titles with Arsenal, five FA Cups (with Arsenal and Manchester City), four Serie A titles (with Inter Milan and Juventus), and the World Cup and European Championships with France (in 1998 and 2000 respectively).